Musculoskeletal/Articular Dysfunction Flashcards
When to suspect child abuse?
- Most inflicted fractures occur in infancy/early childhood.
- Stated history not consistent with injury pattern
- Injury inconsistent with developmental stage
- Discrepancy and/or conflicts in caregiver stories
- Presence of multiple fractures
- Spiral or rib fractures in infant
Describe spiral fractures or rib fractures in infants.
- Skeletal Survey done to detect other fractures
- Nurses are mandatory reporters!
Care for a child in a cast?
- Purpose: immobilization to promote healing and proper alignment
- Neurovascular assessment (5 P’s: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, paralysis)
Education on cast?
Do not put anything into the cast
What to assess for in a child with a cast?
- assess for adequate nerve function & blood circulation in order to detect signs/symptoms of potential complications like compartment syndrome
What is Acute Compartment Syndrome?
- serious and life-threatening complication
- requires immediate action
- may cause permanent damage to extremity
Acute compartment syndrome symptoms?
- Swelling of extremity
- Decrease or loss of pulses
- Cool to touch
- Extremity pale or cyanotic
- Numbness or tingling
- Extreme pain not controlled by medication
Acute compartment syndrome management?
Surgery (Fasciotomy) to reduce the pressure and restore circulation.
Child in traction purpose?
- Maintains straight alignment of fractured bone
- Decreases pain and spasms
child is laying down with legs straight in the air (90 degrees) held by string (on bandages and tape) and creates a gentle pull via a pulley and weight system
Child in traction nursing management?
- Do not remove, adjust, or add weights unless there is a provider order.
- Allow weights to hang freely
- Monitor skin for redness and signs of breakdown
- Neurovascular assessment (5 P’s)
What is scoliosis?
- Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
- Generally noticeable after preadolescent growth spurt
- Asymmetry of shoulder height, scapular or flank shape, or hip height
Scoliosis treatment?
Exercise, bracing, and/or surgery
What is Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)?
Abnormal development of the hip joint during fetal growth or early infancy.
Signs of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)?
The socket of the hip (acetabulum) is too shallow and the femoral head is not held tightly in place, so the hip joint is loose.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) Treatment?
- Pavlik Harness (0-6 mo)
- Spica cast (6-24 mo)
